Optimization of LED Lighting for Clinical Settings

Table 1

Recommended source colour properties in codes and standards.

Country or region	Australia and New Zealand [10]	United Kingdom [15] and European Union [16]	United States [17]
Colour appearance (CCT)	3300 K ≤ CCT ≤ 5300 K (all areas)	No general recommendation	2700 K night lighting. No other general recommendation
Colour rendering index—general and ward areas	Ra ≥ 80	Ra ≥ 80	No general recommendation
Colour rendering index—examination and treatment areas	Ra ≥ 85 (e.g., dermatology)	Ra ≥ 90 (all examination areas)	Ra ≥ 80 for exam areas; Ra > 90 for surgery
Special colour requirements	Cyanosis observation: COI ≤ 3.3	Examination rooms (general lighting): 4000 K ≤ CCT ≤ 5000 K; Colour inspection (labs and pharmacies): 6000 K ≤ CCT ≤ 6500 K; Consider the appropriate special colour rendering index Ri for accurate rendition of coloured objects or human skin	Surgery and examination rooms: 4000 K ≤ CCT ≤ 5000 K
Human-centric lighting (reinforcing circadian entrainment)	Not included	Lighting may have a significant influence on human circadian rhythms	Lighting practitioners to be aware of principles of the circadian cycle

Note. This table represents a distillation, by the authors, of detailed and sometimes complex requirements or recommendations. Please refer to the original documents for full details and explanations.